VOG Personal Assistant

A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF

I am an autistic, non-binary 38 year-old with a chronic neurological disease. I am currently living in Barry but in the process of moving to Canton (Cardiff). I expect to be fully relocated by early 2027.

I enjoy good food, coffee and chocolate and I feel most at peace in the hills/mountains. I am socially-conscious and have a wide range of interests including music, art and nature. I previously trained as a cabinet maker then studied photography at uni but was unable to complete my training/education due to illness. I have a love for animals, particularly dogs and hamsters, although unfortunately I am allergic to cats.

I have a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, ME, OCD and Asthma. I am significantly limited by my illness, which affects my mobility, immune system and energy. I require help with getting around, everyday tasks and managing my condition to avoid flare-ups from pushing myself too far. I also require help with communicating (such as phone calls) and understanding non-verbal communication, as well as managing admin, organisation and appointments.

I often have specific ways of doing things and routines to help manage anxiety/overload but it can be difficult for me to communicate these to other people. I can become fixated on details or overwhelmed by sensory overload and lose track of the task or time. When someone is observant, patient and communicates clearly this can enable me to communicate my needs and feel comfortable. These qualities can also help a person to recognise when I am experiencing pain, discomfort and cognitive/sensory overload, which are difficult for me to communicate both verbally and nonverbally, to then take appropriate steps to help me process the situation, such as taking a step back or breaking it down.

I am often shy/anxious initially but when I am comfortable with someone I open up. I’ve been told I have a very dry sense of humour, which I like to think I got from my Grandpa. It can take time for someone to understand my atypical ways of communicating and when I am ‘masking’ rather than coping. Due to my difficulty reading non-verbal cues I am most comfortable with people who are calm and communicate clearly, directly and openly. I don’t mind people with a sense of humour though and I like learning about other people.

PURPOSE OF JOB

To support and assist me around my house and in the community.

PLACE OF WORK

In my home and out in the community (Barry/Cardiff - Canton 2027 onwards).

HOURS OF WORK

20 hours a week

RATE OF PAY

£15.50 per hour

TASKS INVOLVED

• Helping me to manage general chores around the house (e.g. laundry, cleaning, emptying bins).
• Support with admin and correspondence.
• Helping me to organise and pack for my relocation to Canton.
• Assisting with getting/preparing meals.
• Prompting me to take care of my basic needs and health management when I become distracted.
• Helping me to get out of the house and into the community.
• Support attending appointments.
• Support with errands (such as grocery shopping and collecting prescriptions).
• Assistance with mobility; including driving my car when required and transferring my mobility scooter (up to 20kg) in and out the car.
• Driver needed

TYPE OF PERSON REQUIRED

• Driver needed (I have a car)
• A calm and patient person.
• Someone who is understanding and sensitive to my needs.
• Previous experience (personal or professional) with neurodiversity and chronic illness is preferred.
• An open-minded and transparent person.
• Available to work afternoon-evening; typically Monday, Wednesday & Friday. (Flexibility to work other days/times when required due to appointments and other scheduling issues is preferred).